Vehicle body structure

ABSTRACT

A vehicle body structure includes a vehicle cargo structure and a handle assembly. The vehicle cargo structure has a floor and a first side wall at least partially defining a cargo area at a rearward end of a vehicle, The handle assembly has a base and a grip handle. The base is attached to the first side wall above the floor within the cargo area. The grip handle is movable relative to the base between a stowed orientation in which the grip handle is at a location lower than an upper surface of the first side wall and a gripping orientation in which at least a portion of the grip handle extends higher that the upper surface of the first side wall. With the grip handle in the gripping orientation an individual entering the cargo area grabs the grip handle for assistance in stepping up into the cargo area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application and claims priority toU.S. Ser. No. 15/900,592, filed Feb. 20, 2018. The entire contents ofU.S. Ser. No. 15/900,592 are hereby incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a vehicle body structure thatincludes a retractable step and a handle assembly. More specifically,the present invention relates to a vehicle body structure that includesa retractable step and a handle assembly where the handle assembly isfixedly attached to an upper area of a side wall of a pickup truck cargoarea such that an individual using the step holds the handle assembly toaid in climbing up to the cargo area.

Background Information

Pickup truck cargo areas are usually at least two feet or more aboveground level. Various step structures and handle devices have beenproposed for assisting an individual when climbing up into the cargoarea. However, most current handle devices are difficult to install anduse, and, many take up valuable space within the cargo area.

SUMMARY

One object of the current disclosure is to provide a cargo area of avehicle with a handle assembly that installs to a side wall of the cargoarea and occupies a minimal amount of space within the cargo area at alocation spaced apart and above a floor of the cargo area.

In view of the state of the known technology, one aspect of the presentdisclosure is to provide a vehicle body structure with a vehicle cargostructure and a handle assembly. The vehicle cargo structure has a floorand a first side wall at least partially defining a cargo area at arearward end of a vehicle. The handle assembly has a base and a griphandle. The base is attached to the first side wall above the floorwithin the cargo area. The grip handle is movable relative to the basebetween a stowed orientation in which the grip handle is at a locationlower than an upper surface of the first side wall and a grippingorientation in which at least a portion of the grip handle extendshigher that the upper surface of the first side wall. With the griphandle in the gripping orientation, an individual entering the cargoarea grabs the grip handle for assistance in stepping up into the cargoarea.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle that includes a cargoarea structure, a bumper, a tailgate, a retractable step and a handleassembly, showing the tailgate in a closed orientation covering a rearend of the cargo area structure and showing the step in a retractedorientation beneath a rear corner of the bumper in accordance with thevarious embodiments;

FIG. 2 is another rear perspective view of the vehicle similar to FIG.1, showing the tailgate in an open orientation exposing a cargo areadefined by the cargo area structure, and showing the step in an extendedorientation extending rearward and laterally outboard relative to thebumper with the handle assembly being located above the rear corner ofthe bumper and the step, in accordance with the various embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the cargo area structure showing afirst side wall having a utility track installed along an upper area ofthe first side wall and a handle assembly removably installed to a rearend of the utility track in accordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the first side wall of the cargo area structureshowing the handle assembly removed from the utility track in accordancewith the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is another side view of the first side wall of the cargo areastructure similar to FIG. 4, showing the handle assembly installed tothe rear end of the utility track in accordance with the firstembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the handle assembly removed from the vehicleshowing a base and a grip handle in accordance with the firstembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the handle assembly removed from the vehicleshowing the base, the grip handle and an attachment assembly inaccordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the handle assembly removed from thevehicle showing further details of the base, the grip handle and theattachment assembly in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the handle assembly removed fromthe vehicle showing still further details of the base, the grip handleand the attachment assembly in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an end view of the first side wall of the cargo areastructure showing the handle assembly installed to the rear end of theutility track with the attachment assembly clamped to the utility trackin accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an exploded end view of the first side wall and the handleassembly showing the base and elements of the attachment assemblyseparated from one another and separated from the utility track inaccordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 12 is another end view of the first side wall of the cargo areastructure showing the handle assembly installed to the rear end of theutility track with the attachment assembly clamped to the utility trackin accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 13 is an end view of a handle assembly with the attachment assemblyremoved in accordance with a second embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the handle assembly with the attachmentassembly removed in accordance with the second embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the handle assembly with the attachmentassembly removed in accordance with the second embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a handle assembly and the first side wallwith the utility track removed, showing an attachment location on aninner panel of first side wall where the handle assembly mounts inaccordance with a third embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the first side wall and the handle assemblydepicted in FIG. 16 showing the handle assembly installed to the innerpanel of the first side wall on accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the first side wall (without the utilitytrack) and a handle assembly showing the handle assembly installed to aninner panel of the first side wall and with a grip handle of the handleassembly pivoted to a stowed orientation in accordance with a fourthembodiment;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the first side wall (without the utilitytrack) and the handle assembly similar to FIG. 18, showing the griphandle of the handle assembly pivoted to a gripping orientation inaccordance with the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a rear view of the first side wall and the handle assemblyshowing the grip handle of the handle assembly pivoted to the stowedorientation in accordance with the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 21 is another end view of the first side wall and the handleassembly similar to FIG. 20, showing the grip handle of the handleassembly pivoted to the gripping orientation in accordance with thefourth embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the first side wall and a handleassembly installed to an inner panel of the first side wall showing agrip handle of the handle assembly pivoted to the stowed orientation inaccordance with a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 23 is another perspective view of the first side wall and thehandle assembly similar to FIG. 22, showing the grip handle of thehandle assembly pivoted to the gripping orientation in accordance withthe fifth embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the first side wall and a handleassembly installed to the utility track showing a grip handle of thehandle assembly pivoted to the stowed orientation in accordance with asixth embodiment;

FIG. 25 is another perspective view of the first side wall and thehandle assembly similar to FIG. 24, showing the grip handle of thehandle assembly pivoted to the gripping orientation in accordance withthe sixth embodiment;

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the handle assembly removedfrom the utility track and the first side wall showing the grip handle,a base and an attachment assembly in accordance with the sixthembodiment;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a rear portion of the first side panelwith the utility track and a handle assembly attached to the utilitytrack, showing a grip handle of the handle assembly in a stowedorientation in accordance with a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 28 is another perspective view of the rear portion of the firstside panel and the handle assembly similar to FIG. 27, showing the griphandle of the handle assembly in a gripping orientation in accordancewith the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 29 is an exploded end view of the first side wall and the handleassembly showing a base and elements of an attachment assembly separatedfrom one another and separated from the utility track in accordance withthe seventh embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a rear perspective view of the vehicle and the cargo areastructure that has been modified to include side rails installed to thefirst and second side walls thereof, along with a handle assembly,showing the retractable step in the retracted orientation beneath therear corner of the bumper in accordance with an eighth embodiment;

FIG. 31 is an exploded rear perspective view of the vehicle and thecargo area structure showing the side rails and the handle assembly,showing the retractable step in the extended orientation beneath therear corner of the bumper in accordance with the eighth embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the handle assembly removed from thevehicle showing a base and a grip handle in accordance with the eighthembodiment;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of an outboard side of a rear sectionof the first side wall showing the handle assembly installed to thefirst side wall in accordance with the eighth embodiment;

FIG. 34 is another perspective view of the handle assembly removed fromthe vehicle showing the base and the grip handle in accordance with theeighth embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of an inboard side of the rear sectionof the first side wall showing the handle assembly and one of the siderails installed to the first side wall in accordance with the eighthembodiment; and

FIG. 36 is a top view of an inboard side of the rear section of thefirst side wall showing the handle assembly and one of the side railsinstalled to the first side wall in accordance with the eighthembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to thedrawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments areprovided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting theinvention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle 10 has a vehicle bodystructure 12 that includes a handle assembly 14 used to step up into acargo area structure 16 of the vehicle 10, is illustrated in accordancewith a first embodiment. A cargo area 18 is defined within the cargoarea structure 16.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle body structure 12 of the vehicle 10defines a pick-up truck design. Alternatively, the vehicle bodystructure 12 of the vehicle 10 can define any of a variety of vehicledesigns that includes a cargo area that an individual might step up intoin order to access, load or remove cargo within the cargo area.

The cargo area structure 16 of the vehicle 10 includes a floor 20, afirst side wall 22, a second side wall 24, a tailgate 26, a bumper 28and a step 30 installed beneath the floor 20 and the bumper 28 of thevehicle 10. The cargo area 18 is defined between the first side wall 22and a second side wall 24 above the floor 20.

The first side wall 22 and the second side wall 24 extend upward alongopposing outboard sides of the floor 20, defining a rear opening 32therebetween. The tailgate 26 is pivotally attached to each of the firstside wall 22 and the second side wall 24 such that the tailgate 26 ismovable between an open orientation (FIG. 2) exposing the rear opening32 of the cargo area structure 16 and a closed orientation (FIG. 1)blocking the rear opening 32 of the cargo area structure 16. Sincetailgates, such as the tailgate 26, are conventional pickup truckfeatures, further description is omitted for the sake of brevity.

The bumper 28 is fixedly attached to the vehicle body structure 12 in aconventional manner, such as mechanical fasteners or welding techniques.The bumper 28 extends laterally from respective a rear end the firstside wall 22 to the rear end of the second side wall 24. The bumper 28is located beneath the rear opening 32 of the cargo area structure 16such that the tailgate 26 can freely move relative to the bumper 28between the open orientation (FIG. 2) and the closed orientation (FIG.1).

The retractable step 30 installed to the cargo area structure 16 at alocation beneath the floor 20 and beneath a rear end of the first sidewall 22, adjacent to the tailgate 26. More specifically, the retractablestep 30 can be fixedly attached to a chassis (not shown) of the vehiclebody structure 12, to elements of the floor 20 of the cargo areastructure 16, or to the bumper 28. The retractable step 30 is movablefrom a retracted orientation shown in FIG. 1 to an extended orientationshown in FIG. 2. In the retracted orientation, the step 30 is partiallyconcealed below the floor 20, the bumper 28 and the first side wall 22.In the extended orientation, the step 30 extends rearward and outboardaway from the bumper 28 and relative to the cargo area 18. Theretractable step 30 can include a telescoping structure, a pivotingstructure, an articulated arm structure or a track and sliding stepsupport structure (not shown) that enables the step 30 to move to andfrom the extended orientation (FIG. 2) underneath a rear corner of thebumper 28 and the retracted orientation (FIG. 1) in which the step 30extends rearward from and laterally outboard of the rear corner of thebumper 28. Retractable steps, such as the step 30, are conventionalstructures. Consequently, further description is omitted for the sake ofbrevity.

Further, it should be understood from the drawings and the descriptionhereinbelow, that the retractable step 30 can include any of a varietyof designs and structures, such as a retractable step attached to orattachable to the first side wall 22 and/or the tailgate 26.

The first side wall 22 and the second side wall 24 are symmetricallyconstructed (mirror images of one another) but are otherwisestructurally identical. Only the first side wall 22 will be describedbelow for the sake of brevity. However, it should be understood from thedrawings and the description herein that the description of the firstside wall 22 applies equally to the second side wall 24.

The first side wall 22 includes an outer panel 40 shown in FIGS. 1 and2, an inner panel 42, a support pillar 44 and an upper panel portion 46that are shown in FIG. 3. The outer panel 40 is contoured in accordancewith an overall exterior design of the cargo area structure 16 and canhave any of a variety of contours and/or shapes, or can have a simpleflat or near flat shape. The inner panel 42 can also be contoured andshaped in accordance the cargo area structure 16 design. However, in thedepicted embodiment, the inner panel 42 is generally flat and planarextending perpendicularly upward from the floor 20, except in the areaof the wheel well.

The upper panel 46 is horizontally oriented and extends in a vehiclelateral inboard direction from an upper end of the outer panel 40. Asshown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, the upper panel 46 overhangs an upper endof the inner panel 42. The upper panel 46 further defines an uppersurface 46 a of the first side wall 22.

Each of the first side wall 22 and the second side wall 24 includes autility track 48. As shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 10-12, the utility track 48is fixedly attached to the first side wall 22 immediately below theoverhang of the upper panel 46. In other words, the upper panel 46extends inboard over the utility track 48.

The utility track 48 is configured to receive and support cargo areaaccessories such as those disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos.9,623,787, 8,550,757, 8,408,853, 8,052,019 and 7,594,787, which are allincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The utility track 48is rigidly and fixedly attached to the first side wall 22 at a locationbelow and adjacent to the upper surface 46 a of the upper panel portion46 of the first side wall 22.

The utility track 48 is fastened to the inner panel 42 of the first sidewall 22 via a plurality of pairs of fasteners Fi, as shown in FIG. 4.Only one pair of fasteners Fi is shown in FIG. 4. The depicted pair offasteners Fi are vertically aligned and spaced apart from one another.

The utility track 48 is an elongated member shown in cross-section inFIGS. 10, 11 and 12. The utility track 48 has a generally U-shapedconfiguration when viewed in cross-section. The U-shape of the utilitytrack 48 defines an elongated hollow channel 50 (hereinafter referred toas the channel 50) surrounded on three sides by parallel walls 52 andbase wall 54. Outer ends of the walls 52 are each formed withprojections 56 that extend back into the channel 50. The ends of theprojections 56 extend into the channel 50 but are spaced apart from thewalls 52 and the base wall 54. An elongated opening 58 (a horizontallyoriented gap) is defined between the projections 56 is open to thechannel 50. Further, the rear end of the utility track 48 is open. Theinboard vertical portions of the parallel walls 52 define an uprightsurface 48 a. In other words, since the utility track 48 is fixed to thefirst side wall 22, the utility track 48 defines the upright surface 48a of the first side wall 22.

A description is now provided of the handle assembly 14 in accordancewith a first embodiment with specific reference to FIGS. 3-12. Thehandle assembly 14 basically includes a base 60, a grip handle 62 and anattachment assembly 64.

The base 60 includes an attachment portion 66, a contoured portion 68and a handle supporting portion 70. The attachment portion 66 is has anoutboard surface 66 a and an inboard surface 66 b (relative to thevehicle 10 when installed to the first side wall 22). The outboardsurface 66 a includes a projection 66 c. The projection 66 c is anelongated flange that extends in an outboard direction perpendicular tothe outboard surface 66 a. The projection 66 c is dimensioned and shapedto engage a surface of the attachment assembly 64 such that theprojection 66 c prevents pivoting of the base 60 relative to theattachment assembly 64, as described in greater detail below.Alternatively, the projection 66 c can be inclined relative to theoutboard surface 66 a in order to mate with the surface of theattachment assembly 64, as described below.

The contoured portion 68 extends away from the attachment portion 66such that the handle supporting portion 70 is located above and inboardof the attachment portion 66. The handle supporting portion 70 extendsupward and away from the contoured portion 68 with the grip handle 62being rigidly and fixedly attached to the handle supporting portion 70.

When installed to the utility track 48, the attachment portion 66overlays the projections 56 of the utility track 48. More specifically,the outboard surface 66 a of the attachment portion 66 of the base 60overlays a portion of the upright surface 48 a of the utility track 48.

The grip handle 38 is an elongated bar shaped member that can have arectangular cross-section, or, can have a cylindrical shape. The griphandle 38 is fixedly attached the handle supporting portion 70 via, forexample, mechanical fasteners or welding techniques. Further, the griphandle 38 extends in a rearward direction from the base 60, with thehandle assembly 14 installed to the first side wall 22. With the base 60attached to the upright surface 48 a of the first side wall 22 and theoverall shape of the base 60 is such that the grip handle 62 ispositioned adjacent to and spaced apart from an upper surface 46 a ofthe first side wall 22 within the cargo area 18, above the floor 20 andabove the step 30. Consequently, an individual using the step 30 toenter the cargo area 18 grabs the grip handle 38 to assist in steppingup into the cargo area 18.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 10-12, the contoured portion 68 extends in anoutboard direction from the attachment portion 66 of the base 60 of thehandle assembly 14. Consequently, the attachment assembly 64 is at leastpartially concealed by the contoured portion 68 when viewed from a rearportion of the vehicle 10, as shown in FIGS. 3, 10-12.

The attachment assembly 64 is basically a clamping device that attachesto the attachment portion 66 of the handle assembly 14 and clamps to theutility track 48. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the attachment assembly64 includes a clamping member 72, a clamping block 74 and a threadedfastener 76. The clamping member 72 is a generally flat metallic member.The clamping member 72 basically includes a central threaded aperture 72a and a pair of grooves 72 b formed on one surface thereof alongopposite sides of the threaded aperture 72 a. The grooves 76 areparallel to one another and are spaced apart from one anothercorresponding to the distance between the projections 56 of the utilitytrack 48.

As shown in FIGS. 11-12, the threaded fastener 76 is inserted through anaperture 66 d defined by the attachment portion 66 of the base 60 of thehandle assembly 14. The fastener 76 is further inserted through a bore74 a of the clamping block 74, thereafter threadedly engaged with thecentral threaded aperture 72 a of the clamping member 72. As shown inFIG. 12, the clamping member 72 is inserted or slid into the channel 50via the open end of the utility track 48. Thereafter the fastener 76 istightened pulling the clamping member 72 closer to the clamping block 74and the base 60. The projections 56 are located between the clampingmember 72 and the clamping block 74 such that the clamping member 72 andthe clamping block 74 clamp to the projections 56, locking theattachment assembly 64 and the handle assembly 14 in position to theutility track 48. Further, the projections 56 are retained withrespective ones of the grooves 74 of the attachment assembly 64. Aswell, an anti-rotation block 74 b extending from (and formed unitarilywith) the clamping block 74 prevents the attachment assembly 64 haspivoting or rotating relative to the utility track 48. The anti-rotationblock 74 b has a square-shape dimensioned to snuggly fit into theelongated opening 58 of the utility track 48. Therefore, once thethreaded fastener 76 is tightened clamping the attachment assembly 64 tothe utility track 48, the anti-rotation block 74 b is forced into theelongated opening 58. As shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the projection 66 cformed on the attachment portion 66 of the base 60 contacts a surface ofthe clamping block 74 thereby preventing rotation or pivoting movementof the base 60 and the grip handle 62 relative to the attachmentassembly 64 and the utility track 48.

Once installed to the utility track 48, the grip handle 62 of the handleassembly 14 extends in a direction parallel to the first side wall 22,as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12. Further, once installed to the utilitytrack 48, the grip handle 62 of the handle assembly 14 is positionedsuch that with the tailgate 26 in the open orientation, an individualusing the step 30 to enter the cargo area 18 grabs the grip handle 62for assistance in stepping up into the cargo area 18 and/or stepping onto the tailgate 26.

The threaded fastener 76 has a hexagonal shaped head such that thethreaded fastener 76 can be tightened or loosened using a conventionalwrench. However, the hexagonal head can be replaced with a hand operatedknob (not shown) such that a vehicle operator can install and remove thehandle assembly 14 without the use of tools.

The handle assembly 14 is depicted in the drawings as being installed toa rear end of the utility track 48. It should be understood from thedrawings and the description herein, that the handle assembly 14 can beinstalled to any of a variety of positions along the length of theutility track 48. Further, with the handle assembly 14 installed at therear end of the utility track 48, other accessories (not shown) areretained for restricted movement along the length of the utility track48 since the handle assembly 14 serves as an end stop for the utilitytrack 48, preventing other accessories from being loosened and slid outthe open end of the utility track 48. In other words, the handleassembly 14 closes the open end of the utility track 48 when installedthereto.

Second Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, a handle assembly 14′ inaccordance with a second embodiment will now be explained. In view ofthe similarity between the first and second embodiments, the parts ofthe second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the firstembodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of thefirst embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the secondembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment maybe omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the second embodimentthat differ from the parts of the first embodiment will be indicatedwith a single prime (′).

The handle assembly 14′ of the second embodiment is a modified versionof the handle assembly 14 of the first embodiment. In the secondembodiment, the handle assembly 14′ includes a base 60′ and grip handle62′. The base 60′ is similar to the base 60 of the first embodiment, butwith slight modifications. Specifically, the base 60′ includes anattachment portion 66′, a contoured portion 68′ and a handle supportingportion 70′. The attachment portion 66′ of the base 60′ is narrowed, ascompared to the base 60 of the first embodiment. Further, the contouredportion 68′ is also narrower that the contoured portion 68 of the firstembodiment. Finally, the handle supporting portion 70′ is smaller andnarrower than the handle supporting portion 70 of the first embodimentsuch that the grip handle 62′ is significantly longer than the griphandle 62 of the first embodiment. Also, the attachment portion 66′includes a projection 66 c′ that is inclined such that the projection 66c′ contacts a greater surface area of the attachment assembly 64(identical to that described in the first embodiment) thereby preventingpivoting or rotation of the base 60′ relative to the attachment assembly64 and the utility track 48.

With the handle assembly 14′ installed to the utility track 48, the griphandle 62′ is positioned such that with the tailgate 26 in the openorientation, an individual using the step 30 to enter the cargo area 18grabs the grip handle 62′ for assistance in stepping up into the cargoarea 18 and/or stepping on to the tailgate 26.

Third Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, a handle assembly 14″ in accordancewith a third embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the first, second and third embodiments, the parts of the thirdembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first and/or secondembodiments will be given the same reference numerals as the parts ofthe first and/or embodiments. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts ofthe third embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first and/orembodiments may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of thethird embodiment that differ from the parts of the first and/or secondembodiments will be indicated with a single prime (′) or a double prime(″).

In the third embodiment, the first side wall 22 is as described withrespect to the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the utilitytrack 48 has been removed. Therefore, the inner panel 42 defines anupright surface 48′. Further, the handle assembly 14″ of the thirdembodiment fastens directly to the inner panel 42 of the first side wall22 via the fasteners Fi overlaying a portion of the upright surface 48′of the first side wall 22.

The handle assembly 14″ of the third embodiment is a modified version ofthe handle assembly 14′ of the second embodiment. In the thirdembodiment, the handle assembly 14′ includes a base 60″ and the griphandle 62′ of the second embodiment. The base 60″ is similar to the base60′ of the second embodiment, but with slight modifications.Specifically, the base 60″ includes an attachment portion 66″, acontoured portion 68″ and a handle supporting portion 70″. Theattachment portion 66″ of the base 60′ is narrowed, as compared to thebase 60 of the first embodiment. Further, the contoured portion 68″extends from an upper end of the attachment portion 66″, extends inboardfrom the attachment portion 66″ and defines a 90-degree angletherebetween. The contoured portion 68″ is also somewhat elongated.Specifically, the contoured portion 68″ is dimensioned to position thegrip handle 62′ such that the grip handle 62′ is spaced apart from thefirst side wall 22. A distal end of the contoured portion 68″ definesthe handle supporting portion 70″. The grip handle 62′ is welded orotherwise rigidly fixed to the handle supporting portion 70″ and issignificantly longer than the grip handle 62 of the first embodiment.Since there are two fasteners Fi attaching the handle assembly 14″ tothe first side wall 22, the grip handle 62′ cannot pivot or rotaterelative to the first side wall 22.

With the handle assembly 14″ installed to the upright surface 48′ of thefirst side wall 22, the grip handle 62′ is positioned such that with thetailgate 26 in the open orientation, an individual using the step 30 toenter the cargo area 18 grabs the grip handle 62′ for assistance instepping up into the cargo area 18 and/or stepping on to the tailgate26.

Fourth Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 18-21, a handle assembly 114 in accordance with afourth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the first and fourth embodiments, the parts of the fourthembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment willbe given the same reference numerals as the parts of the firstembodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the fourthembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment maybe omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the fourth embodimentthat differ from the parts of the first embodiment will be indicatedwith a single prime (′).

In the fourth embodiment, the first side wall 22 is as described withrespect to the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the utilitytrack 48 has been removed. Therefore, the inner panel 42 defines theupright surface 48′. Further, the handle assembly 114 of the fourthembodiment fastens directly to the inner panel 42 of the first side wall22 via the fasteners Fi overlaying a portion of the upright surface 48′of the first side wall 22.

The handle assembly 114 of the fourth embodiment includes a base 160 anda grip handle 162. The base 160 is a metallic member that includes anattachment portion 166, a first stop portion 168 and a second stopportion 170. The attachment portion 166 is a flat metallic plate that isattached to an upright surface 48′ of the first side wall 22 above thefloor 20 within the cargo area 18 via fasteners Fi. As shown in FIGS. 20and 21, a block B or spacer can be located between the base 160 and thefirst side wall 22 to locate the grip handle 162 in a predeterminedlocation. The first stop portion 168 and the second stop portion 170that are positioned and oriented such that the grip handle 162 islimited to pivoting movement between the first stop portion 168 and thesecond stop portion 170. In the depicted fourth embodiment, the firststop portion 168 and the second stop portion 170 are perpendicular toone another, and, extend in directions perpendicular to the attachmentportion 166.

The grip handle 162 is an elongated rod that pivots about a pivot shaft160 a fixed to the base 160. The grip handle 162 is movable (pivotingmovement) relative to the base 160 between a stowed orientation (FIG.18) in which the entire grip handle 162 is at a location lower than theupper surface 46 a of the first side wall 22 and a gripping orientation(FIG. 19) in which at least a portion of the grip handle 162 extendshigher that the upper surface 46 a of the first side wall 22. With thegrip handle 162 in the gripping orientation (FIG. 19), an individualusing the step 30 to enter the cargo area 18 grabs the grip handle 162for assistance in stepping up into the cargo area 18.

The first stop portion 168 is vertically oriented such that the griphandle 162 contacts the first stop portion 168 when in the grippingorientation (FIG. 19). The second stop portion 170 is horizontallyoriented such that the grip handle 162 contacts the second stop portion170 when in the stowed orientation (FIG. 18).

The first stop portion 168 and the second stop portion 170 arepositioned such that the grip handle 162 is limited to approximately 90degrees of pivoting movement about the pivot shaft 160 a.

The elongated rod that defines the grip handle 162 includes an aperture(not shown) that receives the pivot shaft 160 a with a first portion 162a of the grip handle 162 extending from one side of the pivot shaft 160a and a second portion 162 b extending from an opposite side of thepivot shaft 160 a. The first portion 162 a is longer than the secondportion 162 b. The second portion 162 b defines a gripping portion ofthe grip handle 162 with the grip handle 162 in the gripping orientation(FIG. 19).

As shown in FIG. 21, the handle assembly 114 can include an optionallocking mechanism 180. The locking mechanism 180 includes a springbiased pin. Further, the locking mechanism 180 interacts with a firstaperture A₁ and a second aperture A₂ in the base 160, as shown in FIGS.18 and 19. The spring biased pin of the locking mechanism 180 extendsinto the first aperture A₁ with the grip handle 162 in the grippingorientation, and the spring biased pin of the locking mechanism 180extends into the second aperture A₂ with the grip handle 162 in thestowed orientation, thereby locking the grip handle 162 in each of therespective orientations.

Fifth Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 22 and 23, a handle assembly 114′ in accordancewith a fifth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the first, fourth and fifth embodiments, the parts of the fifthembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first and/or fourthembodiments will be given the same reference numerals as the parts ofthe first and/or fourth embodiments. Moreover, the descriptions of theparts of the fifth embodiment that are identical to the parts of thefirst and/or fourth embodiments may be omitted for the sake of brevity.The parts of the fifth embodiment that differ from the parts of thefirst and/or fourth embodiments will be indicated with a single prime(′).

In the fifth embodiment, the first side wall 22 is as described withrespect to the first embodiment, and in particular, includes the utilitytrack 48.

The handle assembly 114′ of the fifth embodiment includes a base 160′and a grip handle 162′. The base 160′ includes an attachment portion166′, a first stop portion 168′ and a second stop portion 170′. Theattachment portion 166 is a flat metallic plate that includes theattachment assembly 64 described above with reference to the firstembodiment. The attachment assembly 64 attaches to the handle assembly114′ and attaches to the utility track 48, as is also described abovewith respect to the first embodiment. The first stop portion 168′ andthe second stop portion 170′ are positioned and oriented such that thegrip handle 162′ is limited to pivoting movement between the first stopportion 168′ and the second stop portion 170′. In the depicted fifthembodiment, the first stop portion 168′ and the second stop portion 170′are perpendicular to one another, and, extend in directionsperpendicular to the attachment portion 166′.

The grip handle 162′ is an elongated rod that pivots about a pivot shaft160 a fixed to the base 160′. The grip handle 162′ is movable (pivotingmovement) relative to the base 160′ between a stowed orientation (FIG.22) in which the entire grip handle 162′ is at a location lower than theupper surface 46 a of the first side wall 22 and a gripping orientation(FIG. 23) in which at least a portion of the grip handle 162′ extendshigher that the upper surface 46 a of the first side wall 22. With thegrip handle 162′ in the gripping orientation (FIG. 23), an individualusing the step 30 to enter the cargo area 18 grabs the grip handle 162′for assistance in stepping up into the cargo area 18.

The first stop portion 168′ is vertically oriented such that the griphandle 162′ contacts the first stop portion 168′ when in the grippingorientation (FIG. 23). The second stop portion 170′ is horizontallyoriented such that the grip handle 162′ contacts the second stop portion170′ when in the stowed orientation (FIG. 22).

The first stop portion 168′ and the second stop portion 170′ arepositioned such that the grip handle 162′ is limited to approximately 90degrees of pivoting movement about the pivot shaft 160 a.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the handle assembly 114′ can include theoptional locking mechanism 180 (described above with respect to thefourth embodiment). The locking mechanism 180 interacts with a firstapertures A₁ and a second aperture A₂ in the base 160′, as shown inFIGS. 22 and 23. The spring biased pin of the locking mechanism 180extends into the first aperture A₁ with the grip handle 162′ in thegripping orientation, and the spring biased pin of the locking mechanism180 extends into the second aperture A₂ with the grip handle 162′ in thestowed orientation, thereby locking the grip handle 162′ in each of therespective orientations.

Sixth Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 24-26, a handle assembly 214 in accordance with asixth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the first and sixth embodiments, the parts of the sixthembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment willbe given the same reference numerals as the parts of the firstembodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the sixthembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment maybe omitted for the sake of brevity.

In the sixth embodiment, the handle assembly 214 replaces the handleassembly 14 of the first embodiment. More specifically, the handleassembly 214 can be installed to the utility track 48 of the first sidewall 22 in a manner consistent with the handle assembly 14 of the firstembodiment.

The handle assembly 214 includes a base 260 and a grip handle 262, asshown in FIGS. 24-26. The base 260 includes an attachment portion 266, acontoured portion 268 and a handle supporting portion 270. The griphandle 262 includes a rectangular shaped frame 262 a that defines acentral opening 262 b. The rectangular shaped frame 262 a is fixed tothe handle supporting portion 270 such that the handle supportingportion 270 basically defines a flange extending from the rectangularshaped frame 262 a in a direction away from the central opening 262 b.

As shown in FIG. 26, the attachment portion 266 of the base 260 (alsoreferred to as part of the flange extending from the grip handle 262)has an aperture that receives a pivot shaft 276 such that the griphandle 262 can pivot about the pivot shaft 276 between a stowedorientation shown in FIG. 24 and a gripping orientation shown in FIG.25. The attachment portion 266 also includes projection 266 a thatextends in a direction parallel to the pivot shaft 276.

As shown in the exploded view in FIG. 26, the base 260 includes anattachment assembly 264. The attachment assembly 264 includes a clampingmember 272, a clamping block 274 and the pivot shaft 276. The clampingmember 272 includes the pair of grooves 72 b as described above withrespect to clamping member 72 of the first embodiment. The clampingblock 274 includes a bore 274 a, an anti-rotation block 274 b and asemi-circular recess 274 c. The semi-circular recess 274 c defines afirst stop portion 282 and a second stop portion 284. The pivot shaft276 extends through the bore 272 a, and when the pivot shaft 276 isloosened, the grip handle 262 can undergo limited pivoting movementabout the pivot shaft 276. Further, the projection 266 a of theattachment portion 266 extends into the semi-circular recess 274 c.Pivoting or rotating movement of the grip handle 262 about the pivotshaft 276 is limited by contact between the projection 266 a and each ofthe first stop portion 282 and the second stop portion 284.

More specifically, the first stop portion 282 and the second stopportion 284 are surfaces defined at opposing ends of the semi-circularrecess 274 c. The first stop portion 282 and the second stop portion 284are positioned and oriented such that the grip handle 262 is limited topivoting movement between the first stop portion 282 and the second stopportion 284. The first stop portion 282 and the second stop portion 284are positioned such that the grip handle 262 is limited to approximately180 degrees of pivoting movement about the pivot shaft 276.

With the grip handle 214 in the gripping orientation (FIG. 25), anindividual using the step 30 to enter the cargo area 18 grabs the griphandle 262 for assistance in stepping up into the cargo area 18.

Seventh Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 27-29, a handle assembly 314 in accordance with aseventh embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the first and seventh embodiments, the parts of the seventhembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment willbe given the same reference numerals as the parts of the firstembodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the seventhembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment maybe omitted for the sake of brevity.

The handle assembly 14 of the first embodiment can be interchangeablyreplaced with the handle assembly 314 of the seventh embodiment.Specifically, the handle assembly 314 can be installed to the utilitytrack 48, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28.

The handle assembly 314 has a base 360 and a grip handle 362. The base360 is attached to the upright surface 48 a of utility track 48 of thefirst side wall 22. The grip handle 362 is movable relative to the base360 between a stowed orientation shown in FIG. 27 and a grippingorientation shown in FIG. 28. In the stowed orientation, the grip handle362 is at a location lower than an upper surface 46 a of the first sidewall 22. In the gripping orientation, at least a portion of the griphandle 362 extends higher that the upper surface 46 a of the first sidewall 22 such that with the grip handle 362 in the gripping orientation,an individual using the step 30 to enter the cargo area 18 grabs thegrip handle 362 for assistance in stepping up into the cargo area 18.

The base 360 includes a cylindrical block portion 366 and a clampingblock 374. The cylindrical block portion 366 includes an aperture 366 aand a bore 366 b. The aperture 366 a extends through the cylindricalblock portion 366 in a direction parallel to the first side wall 22. Thebore 366 b extends through both the cylindrical block portion 366 andthe clamping block 374 in a direction perpendicular to the aperture 366a. Further, the bore 366 b is open to (intersects with) the aperture 366a.

The grip handle 362 is basically an elongated rod with oversized ends.The elongated rod that defines the grip handle 362 extends through theaperture 366 a in the base 360 such that the elongated rod is movable ina vertical direction through the aperture 366 a. With the elongated rodmoved vertically upward to the gripping orientation (FIG. 28), theexposed section of the elongated rod defines a gripping area of the griphandle 362. With the elongated rod moved vertically downward to thestowed orientation (FIG. 27), the loser exposed section of the elongatedrod can be used a gripping area of the grip handle 362, but ispreferably not used as such in the stowed orientation.

The base 360 further defines an attachment assembly 364 and a clampingmechanism 384. The attachment assembly 364 includes a clamping member372, a threaded member 376 and the clamping block 374 of the base 360.The clamping member 372 is installed into the elongated hollow channel50 of the utility track 48, and the threaded member 376 is threadedlyengaged with threads within the bore 366 b of the clamping block 374 ofbase 360. The threaded member 376 also extends through the clampingmember 372. When the threaded member 376 is tightened, the resultingforce urges the clamping member 372 and the clamping block 374 of base360 together clamping to the projections 56 of lengthwise extendingwalls 52 of the utility track 48.

The clamping mechanism 384 includes a handle portion 384 a and athreaded portion 384 b. The threaded portion 384 b engages correspondingthreads within the bore 366 b of the base 360. When the handle portion384 a is manipulated tightening the threaded portion 384 a against thegrip handle 362, the clamping mechanism 384 releasably clamps theelongated rod of the grip handle 362 in one or the other of the grippingorientation and the stowed orientation.

The handle assembly 314 can be modified such that the base 360 isdirectly attached to the first side wall 22 via mechanical fasteners F₁in the absence of the utility track 48.

Eighth Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 30-36, a handle assembly 414 installed to thecargo area structure 16 in accordance with a eighth embodiment will nowbe explained. In view of the similarity between the first and eighthembodiments, the parts of the eighth embodiment that are identical tothe parts of the first embodiment will be given the same referencenumerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, thedescriptions of the parts of the eighth embodiment that are identical tothe parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake ofbrevity.

As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 from a perspective view that differs fromthe views in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first side wall 22 and the second sidewall 24 of the cargo area structure 16 each include openings 46 b (shownin FIG. 31) defined in the upper surface 46 a that extend down throughof the upper panel portion 46 (openings 46 b are not visible in FIGS. 1and 2). The openings 46 b are located at forward and rearward portionsof the upper panel portion 46 of each of first side wall 22 and thesecond side wall 24, as shown in FIG. 31. A pair of side rails 90 aremounted to the upper panel portion 46 of each of the first side wall 22and the second side wall 24 using the openings 46 b, as described ingreater detail. Consequently, respective ends of each of the side rails90 cover corresponding ones of the openings 46 b, as shown in FIG. 30.

The retractable step 30 installed to the cargo area structure 16 beneaththe floor 20 and the first side wall 22, and, adjacent to the tailgate26, as described above with respect to the first embodiment. In FIG. 30the retractable step 30 is shown in the retracted orientation. In FIG.31, the retractable step 30 is shown in the extended orientation.

The handle assembly 414 is now described with specific reference toFIGS. 32-36. The handle assembly 414 includes a base 460 and a griphandle 462 that is fixedly attached to the base 460. The base 460attaches to the upper panel portion 46 of the first side wall 22 via anattachment assembly 464 that is described in greater detail below. Thebase 460 includes an attachment portion 466, a contoured portion 468 anda handle supporting portion 470.

The attachment portion 466 of the base 460 includes an oval shaped panel460 a, a centering panel 460 b, an upper block 480 shown in FIGS. 32-34and a lower block 482 shown in FIGS. 33 and 35. The centering panel 460b is fixedly attached to the oval shaped panel 460 a via, for example,welding, and is used to align and position the side rail 90 to thehandle assembly 414 when installed to the first side wall 22. The upperblock 480 is further fixedly attached to the centering panel 460 b. Thelower block 482 is fixedly attached to an underside of the base 460.

The oval shaped panel 460 a is dimensioned to cover a rearward one ofthe openings 48 b in the first side wall 22, when the base 460 isattached to the first side wall 22, as shown in FIG. 30. The contouredportion 468 is a metal material that includes a first section 468 a thatextends from beneath the oval shaped panel 460 a, in a directionparallel to the upper surface 46 a of the first side panel 22, as shownin FIGS. 33, 35 and 36. The contoured portion 468 includes a bend 468 bthat angles the handle supporting portion 470 upward. Specifically, thehandle supporting portion 470 extends upward and away from the firstsection 468 a. A distal end of the handle supporting portion 470 isvertically higher than the oval shaped panel 460 a.

The grip handle 462 is fixedly attached to the distal end (upper end) ofthe handle supporting portion 470 via, for example, welding techniquesor mechanical fasteners (not shown). Hence, the grip handle 462 ispositioned above the base 460 and above the upper surface 46 a of thefirst side wall 22 when installed to the first side wall 22. As shown inFIG. 36, a gripping portion 462 a of the grip handle 462 is elongatedsuch that the gripping portion 462 a extends over the floor 20 of thecargo area 18, inboard of the first side wall 22.

Further, as shown in FIG. 36, the first side wall 22 extends in a firstdirection D₁, and the grip handle 462 extends in a second direction D₂.The first direction D₁ and the second direction D1 define an acute angleα therebetween. The angle α is preferably between 20 and 60 degrees.Still further, the angle α can be 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45degrees, or any value between 20 and 60 degrees. In the depictedembodiment, the angle α is 40 degrees, as shown in FIG. 36.

The attachment assembly 464 fixedly attaches the base 460 to the firstside wall 22, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 35. The attachment assembly 464includes a clamping member 472 and a threaded member 476. The clampingmember 472 is a U-shaped member that is wider than the openings 46 b.The threaded member 476 is threadedly engaged with or welded to thelower block 482.

When installed to the first side wall 22, the oval shaped panel 460 a ofthe base 460 of the handle assembly 414 is positioned over the opening46 b such that the lower block 482 extends through the opening 46 b, asshown in FIGS. 33 and 35. The clamping member 472 is positioned belowthe upper panel portion 46 of the first side wall 22 with the threadedmember 476 extending through an aperture of the clamping member 472. Theclamping member 472 is urged against to the lower side of the upperpanel portion 46 of the first side wall 22 by tightening of a threadednut N on the threaded member 476 and against a lower surface of theclamping member 472. Tightening of the nut N against the clamping member472 further urges the base 460 against the upper surface 46 a of theupper panel portion 46 of the first side wall 22. Hence, the clampingmember 472 and the base 460 of the handle assembly 414 clamp to theupper panel portion 46 of the first side wall 22.

The oval shaped panel 460 a of the base 460 overlays a correspondingportion of the upper surface 46 a of the first side wall 22 surroundingthe opening 46 b. Once installed to the first side wall 22, the griphandle 462 is positioned such that an individual using the step 30 toenter the cargo area 18 grabs the grip handle 462 for assistance instepping up into the cargo area 18.

With the handle assembly 414 installed to the rearward one of theopening 46 b of the first side wall 22, a rearward end of the side rail90 is fixed to the handle assembly 414 with a fastener F₂ that isinserted into an aperture in the side of the side rail 90 and furtherthrough an opening 480 a in the upper block 480 (a side rail attachmentblock), as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36. The forward end of the side rail 90is attached to the forward area of the first side wall 22 using anattachment assembly (not shown) that is similar to the attachmentassembly 464. Further, alternative conventional attachment devices canbe used to attach the forward end of the side rail 90 to the first sidewall 22. Since alternative conventional attachment devices are wellknown in the art, further description of attachment of the forward endof the side rails 90 is omitted for the sake of brevity.

The vehicle body structure 10 and the cargo area structure 16 (otherthan the handle assemblies and related structures described above)include conventional components that are well known in the art. Sincesuch conventional components are well known in the art, these structureswill not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Rather, it willbe apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that thecomponents can be any type of structure and/or programming that can beused to carry out the present invention.

General Interpretation of Terms

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts. Also, as used herein to describethe above embodiments, the following directional terms “forward”,“rearward”, “above”, “downward”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below” and“transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle body structure.Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present inventionshould be interpreted relative to a vehicle equipped with the vehiclebody structure.

The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section orpart of a device that is constructed to carry out the desired function.

The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately”as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modifiedterm such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location ororientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/ordesired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting eachother can have intermediate structures disposed between them. Thefunctions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. Thestructures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in anotherembodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in aparticular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is uniquefrom the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, alsoshould be considered a separate description of further inventions by theapplicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodiedby such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodimentsaccording to the present invention are provided for illustration only,and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle body structure, comprising: a vehiclecargo structure having a floor and a first side wall at least partiallydefining a cargo area at a rearward end of a vehicle; and a handleassembly having a base and a grip handle, the base being attached to thefirst side wall above the floor within the cargo area, and the griphandle being movable relative to the base between a stowed orientationin which the grip handle is at a location lower than an upper surface ofthe first side wall and a gripping orientation in which at least aportion of the grip handle extends higher that the upper surface of thefirst side wall such that with the grip handle in the grippingorientation an individual entering the cargo area grabs the grip handlefor assistance in stepping up into the cargo area.
 2. The vehicle bodystructure according to claim 1, wherein the grip handle is an elongatedrod that pivots about a pivot shaft fixed to the base.
 3. The vehiclebody structure according to claim 2, wherein the base includes a firststop portion and a second stop portion that are positioned and orientedsuch that the grip handle is limited to pivoting movement between thefirst stop portion and the second stop portion.
 4. The vehicle bodystructure according to claim 3, wherein the first stop portion and thesecond stop portion are positioned such that the grip handle is limitedto approximately 90 degrees of pivoting movement about the pivot shaft.5. The vehicle body structure according to claim 4, wherein the firststop portion includes a semi-circular shaped recess with the first stopportion being defined by a first end surface of the semi-circular shapedrecess.
 6. The vehicle body structure according to claim 2, wherein theelongated rod includes a position locking mechanism that retains thegrip handle in at least one of the stowed orientation and the grippingorientation.
 7. The vehicle body structure according to claim 6, whereinat least a portion of the position locking mechanism extends through ahollow interior of the elongated rod.
 8. The vehicle body structureaccording to claim 6, wherein the base includes an aperture positionedsuch that with the grip handle in the gripping orientation, a lockingpin of the position locking mechanism extends into the aperturepreventing movement of the grip handle.
 9. The vehicle body structureaccording to claim 6, wherein the locking pin of the position lockingmechanism is spring biased such that the locking pin is urged to moveinto the aperture preventing movement of the grip handle.
 10. Thevehicle body structure according to claim 9, wherein the locking pin ofthe position locking mechanism is spring biased by a coil spring that isdisposed within the hollow interior of the elongated rod.
 11. Thevehicle body structure according to claim 9, wherein the coil springconfigured such that coils of the coil spring encircle the locking pinof the position locking mechanism.
 12. The vehicle body structureaccording to claim 2, wherein the elongated rod is configured such thatthe elongated rod is pivoted vertically upward to the grippingorientation.
 13. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1,wherein the handle assembly includes a clamping mechanism thatreleasably clamps the grip handle in at least one of the grippingorientation and the stowed orientation.
 14. The vehicle body structureaccording to claim 1, further comprising a tailgate that is movablebetween an open orientation exposing a rear end of the cargo area and aclosed orientation blocking the rear end of the cargo area, the handleassembly being located proximate an upper end of the tailgate with thetailgate in the closed orientation.
 15. The vehicle body structureaccording to claim 1, wherein the base of the handle assembly isdirectly attached to the first side wall via mechanical fasteners suchthat the base overlays a portion of an upright surface of the first sidewall.
 16. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, furthercomprising a retractable step installed to the vehicle cargo areastructure.
 17. The vehicle body structure according to claim 16, whereinthe retractable step installed to the vehicle cargo area structure belowthe handle assembly.
 18. The vehicle body structure according to claim16, wherein the retractable step is moveable between a retractedorientation in which the step is partially concealed below the floor andthe first side wall, and an extended orientation in which the stepextends rearward and outboard away relative to the cargo area.
 19. Thevehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein with the griphandle in the stowed orientation, the grip handle extends downward in adirection that is substantially parallel to the first side wall.
 20. Thevehicle body structure according to claim 1, wherein the first side wallincludes an upper panel portion that overhangs a portion of the flooradjacent the first side wall, and the base of the handle assembly isfixedly attached to the first side wall beneath the upper panel portion.